Packhorse Ride in the Eight Lakes

Overview

   Itinerary

   Price

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Overview

Elsen Tasarhai

Elsen Tasarhai, also known as Bayan Gobi, is a suitable place for breaking the seven-hour drive between Ulaanbaatar and Kharkhorin. Elsen Tasarhai literally means "an isolated torn-off piece of sand" and it is a small sequence of real desert in the midst of green steppes. It feels like in the Gobi Desert, and visitors can hike in the sand dunes. This stopover destination can be conveniently combined with the excursion to Khogno Khan Mountain for sightseeing of the Erdene Khamba Monastery ruins, which is only 18 km north from Elsen Tasarhai. Tourist ger camps of this area also offer several horse or camel riding options.

Kharkhorum

Interested in treasures of lost civilizations? Mongolia has a great present for you. Consider visiting Kharkhorum town located in central Mongolia. In 1220, it was a flourishing capital of Genghis Khan's Mongol Empire called Karakorum.

Ogodei Khaan had built the "Tumen Amgalant" Palace, which occupied an area of 2,500 square meters. The palace was built in 1235 and it was the most beautiful part of the capital. It had a large hall with 64 columns where the khans received foreign ambassadors and guests.

Orkhon Valley

The Orkhon Waterfall water flows for remarkable 1120 km to the North and lies in the historically significant Orkhon Valley. The waterfall formed by combination volcanic eruption and earthquakes some 20000 years ago cascades down from a height 27 meters. The Orkhon, longest river in Mongolia, begins at the state worshipped.

Eight Lakes Nature reserve

For the next 4 days we ride a horse in the Eight Lakes National Park. Our route takes us through the Khangai Nuruu, Mongolia’s second largest mountain range, which lies 2800 meters above sea level. The reserve consists of 7 lakes, from which the park receives its name, scattered over two big valleys, amongst thickly forested pine forests. Very few families inhabit the area, and it is a perfect place to see a large variety of wild flowers. As we ride, we will have your guide and local horse guide and our luggage and tents will be carried on suppurate horse. Overnight bush camping (3nights).

Tsetserleg Hot Springs

The spring comes out from far deep part of the ground and its water is not mixed with soil waters because it is hot. Also the spring is kept in high pressure under the ground flow rate is high, 10 liters per seconds. The water has high mineral content and containing everything from simple calcium, sodium to sulfuric. Folklore claimed medical value some of this springs have, they are often popular tourist destinations for Mongolian people. The spring produce water that is good for health reasons and water is effect for joints, nerve system and considered good for many other diseases. Sometimes, people drink the water for diabetes and stomach ulcer and disabilities. Surrounding area is home of species of medicinal herbs.

Ugii Lake

Ugii is one of the fresh watered lakes in Mongolia, which is a wonderful place for the birdlife as cranes, ducks, Swan Goose and White Spoonbill and Dalmatian Pelican comes there in the end of April. This is good place for fishing area also which is situated 1.337 meters above the sea level in Ugii soum in Arkhangai providence and covered 25 square kilometers.

Khustai

Your fantastic time spending in Mongolia will continue at Khustai National Park where you will see the wildlife including Takhi horses. You will arrive to your ger camp early afternoon, so visit information centre and watch brief video about Khustai National Park and reintroduction of wild horses.

Itinerary

• Day 1: Elsen Tasarhai

  After breakfast, start your tour of Mongolia by taking of westward towards Karakorum and break your journey in picturesque Elsen Tasarkhai between 4 hours, a common border between Tov, Ovorhangai and Bulgan provinces.

• Day 2: Kharkhorum

  After breakfast you will make an early drive to the lost capital of Genghis Khan at Karakorum (approximately 5 to 6 hours) and visit the magnificent Erdene Zuu Monastery, where you will see a distinct mixing of the styles of Mongolian and Tibetan Buddhism. Karakorum was once the heart of the Mongol Empire and today, you'll still see remnants of the long standing walls that encircle the city. Also in the afternoon, visit the newly established Karakorum Museum.

• Day 3: Orkhon Valley

  Leave Kharkhorum to Orkhon Valley Spend time in stunning Orkhon Valley and visit nearby waterfalls. Hike to the 17th-century Tuvkhun Monastery for a spectacular view of this verdant valley. Overnight in traditional Mongolian gers.

• Day 4 - 7: Horse riding the Eight Lakes Nature reserve

  For the next 4 days we ride a horse in the Eight Lakes National Park. Our route takes us through the Khangai Nuruu, Mongolia’s second largest mountain range, which lies 2800 meters above sea level. The reserve consists of 7 lakes, from which the park receives its name, scattered over two big valleys, amongst thickly forested pine forests. Very few families inhabit the area, and it is a perfect place to see a large variety of wild flowers. As we ride, we will have your guide and local horse guide and our luggage and tents will be carried on suppurate horse. Overnight bush camping (3nights).

• Day 8: Tsetserleg Hot Springs

  After the breakfast we will drive over 2 hours drive to Tsenkher Hot Springs. If you are feeling a little bruised or achy from your travels, bouncing over Mongolian roads, then an hour or two in the springs is just the ticket for you. Over night Duut tourist camp.

• Day 6: Ugii Lake

  After having breakfast at the town we will drive to Ugii Lake which locates in the territory of the Arkhangai province.

• Day 10: Khustai – Ulaanbaatar

  Drive back to Ulaanbaatar. On the way you will have a chance to visit Khustain Nuruu) Nature Reserve.

Excursion details

Quotation based on solo travel: 1649 USD

Quotation based on 2 participants: 990 USD per person

Quotation based on 3 participants: 762 USD per person

Quotation based on 4 participants: 622 USD per person

Inclusions:

Transfer, Driver, Guide/cook, Accommodations and meals.

Exclusions:

Travel insurance, Medical insurance, Entrance to museums and temples, Any charges of major force beyond our control, Camel and Horse riding.

Accommodation arrangements:

Elsen Tasarkhai - Family stay; Kharkhorum - Hotel; Orkhon Valley - Family stay; Eight Lakes - Camping; Eight lakes - Camping; Eight Lakes - Camping; Orkhon Valley - Family stay; Tsenkher Hot Springs - Tourist Camp; Ugii Lake - Tourist Camp;

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is required for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

Physical rating

You need to have a good level of fitness and be in excellent health to take part in this trip. It's important that you are able to hike and ride a horse for a long distance and hours.

Please note this trip require good horse riding skills.

You also need to be able to cope with varying temperature as we will be experiencing climates from warm days to cold nights. Travel days can also be long, rough and in cramped conditions.

Meal arrangements

While traveling with us you'll experience the vast array Mongolian traditional food. Your guide will be able to explain about food. In most places you will be eating meals provided by Nomadic family. Those with special dietary requirements may request for a guide who has cooking skills. Vegetarian lacto-ovo options (while limited) can be offered for all included meals, provided we are notified at time of booking.

A couple of rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land, but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travelers.

Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure on their trip. We don’t tolerate any form of sexual harassment, either between passengers or involving our leaders or local operators. Sexual relationships (consensual or otherwise) between a guide or driver and a passenger are unacceptable. If you ever feel another person is behaving inappropriately please inform us immediately by contacting us.

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Style

Our Basic style trips are designed for travelers who want exceptional value, plenty of free time and having the flexibility to choose where and how their time and money is spent. By working plenty of free time into the itineraries and keeping many of the activities optional, we aim to make travel possible for those on even the most slender of budgets. After all, why pay for an activity or excursion you wouldn’t otherwise be interested in?

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